Sell redundant commercial or industrial land in Essex
We buy redundant commercial land across Essex, including around Southend-on-Sea, Basildon and Colchester. You deal with the buyer directly and there's no commission to pay.
We buy small commercial and industrial sites, including those still occupied, and plan a route to vacant possession that fits your timetable.
- Figures explained, so you can check them
- No pressure to decide
- Independent advice encouraged
Get an offer for land in Essex
Send the postcode and a rough size.
Redundant commercial and industrial land in Essex at a glance
Metropolitan Green Belt covers the south and west of the county, while mid and north Essex have larger areas of farmland around growing towns.
| County | Essex |
|---|---|
| Country | England |
| Towns we cover here | 22 |
| Main town | Southend-on-Sea |
| Example postcode districts | CM1, CM7, CM8, CM9, CM11 |
| Planning system | National Planning Policy Framework and local plan |
Land we're keen to see in Essex
- Haulage yards, builders' yards and depots
- Former showrooms, garages and workshops
- Commercial buildings with permitted development potential
- Sites with a mix of buildings and open storage
- Businesses looking for a sale and short leaseback
Councils sometimes protect employment land, so we check the policy position before assuming a site can change to housing.
How we arrive at a figure for land in Essex
Existing use value
A let or lettable commercial site has a value that a housing offer must exceed.
Permitted development
Some commercial buildings can change to homes through prior approval, within limits.
Leases
Occupational leases and security of tenure affect timing.
Neighbours
Homes next to retained businesses need careful design for noise.
Choosing how to sell
Councils sometimes protect employment land, so we check the policy position before assuming a site can change to housing.
How a sale works
Tell us about your land
Send the postcode or address and a rough size.
We check it properly
Title, planning history, access, flood maps and local policy.
You get a written offer
With the main figures behind it, so your adviser can check it.
Solicitors complete the sale
Exchange and complete, or exchange now and complete when planning is granted.
Rules that apply in England
Planning framework
Planning decisions in England follow the National Planning Policy Framework, revised in August 2026, and the local plan, prepared by the council or, in a national park, the park authority. Plans are reviewed periodically, which is when new housing sites are usually allocated.
Brownfield first
National policy gives substantial weight to reusing suitable brownfield land for homes. Councils keep brownfield land registers, and some sites can gain permission in principle.
Tax on the sale
The buyer pays Stamp Duty Land Tax. As the seller you may owe capital gains tax, and some commercial land carries VAT. Take advice from an accountant.
When the land isn't straightforward
You still need the premises for now
A conditional deal or a short leaseback lets you keep operating until you're ready to move.
The council protects employment land
We look at marketing evidence and viability. Some sites won't qualify, and we'll say so.
Useful to send us
- A rough size, in acres or hectares
- Your title number, if you know it
- Details of any tenants or grazing agreements
- Photos of the land and its access
What people ask us about redundant commercial land
Can a commercial site be redeveloped for housing?
Often, subject to the council's policies on protecting employment land, plus the usual planning tests.
What is prior approval for commercial to residential?
In England, permitted development rights allow some commercial buildings to change to homes through a prior approval process, within set limits.
Do I pay VAT on the sale?
Commercial property can be subject to VAT if an option to tax has been made. Ask your accountant and tell your solicitor early.
Do you buy land in Essex?
Yes. We consider land across Essex, from Southend-on-Sea to the smaller towns and villages. Whether we can make an offer depends on the land itself, and we'll tell you either way.
Redundant commercial and industrial land by town in Essex
Nearby counties
- Redundant commercial and industrial land in Greater London
- Redundant commercial and industrial land in Hertfordshire
- Redundant commercial and industrial land in Kent
- Redundant commercial and industrial land in Bedfordshire
- Redundant commercial and industrial land in Suffolk
- Redundant commercial and industrial land in Surrey
Find out what we'd pay for your land in Essex
Send the postcode and a rough size and we'll come back with a straight answer.